Lemon Balm Tea Recipe
A simple caffeine-free herbal tea made from fresh or dried lemon balm leaves, steeped for 10 minutes and served hot or over ice with honey and a lemon wheel.
Servings 2 cups
Calories 21kcal
Cost $1
Equipment
- 1 Teapot or heatproof mug
- 1 Fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
For the Tea
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, loosely packed or 1 tablespoon dried lemon balm
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon honey or to taste, optional
- 1 lemon wheel for serving, optional
For Serving Iced (Optional)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 sprig fresh mint
Instructions
Brew the Tea
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot or kettle.
- Remove from heat and let the water sit for about 30 seconds so it is just below boiling.
- Place the fresh or dried lemon balm leaves in a teapot or heatproof mug, then pour the hot water over them.
- Cover and steep for about 10 minutes, until the tea is fragrant and lightly golden.
- Strain the tea into a clean mug or pitcher, pressing the leaves gently to release any remaining liquid.
Serve Hot or Iced
- Stir in honey if using, tasting as you go since lemon balm tea is naturally mild.
- For hot tea, pour into a mug and add a lemon wheel.
- For iced tea, pour the slightly stronger brew over a glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig.
Notes
Use about 1/3 the amount of dried lemon balm compared to fresh, since dried leaves are more concentrated.
Steep covered to keep the citrus aroma from evaporating.
For iced tea, brew it slightly stronger since the ice will dilute it.
Cold-brew option: steep leaves in cold water in the fridge overnight for a milder result.
Steep covered to keep the citrus aroma from evaporating.
For iced tea, brew it slightly stronger since the ice will dilute it.
Cold-brew option: steep leaves in cold water in the fridge overnight for a milder result.
